Ayub 57, Nawaz three-for extend West Indies' horror run
Pakistan's spinners were the difference between the two sides as they derailed the West Indies chase of 179
Pakistan's spinners were the difference between the two sides as they derailed the West Indies chase of 179
Scorer: K Vairavan | Commentator: Rvel Zahid
Right then, that brings an end to our coverage of the series opener. We'll see you on Saturday for the second T20I. For now, it's goodbye and goodnight from me, Rvel Zahid, and the entire team at ESPNcricinfo
Saim Ayub, Player of the Match: First of all, it was a challenging pitch to bat on but our mindset was to build partnerships and not panic. We planned a lot but we're also flexible with our plans--we have to adapt according to the conditions and adjust our strategy accordingly. It's about staying in the present moment and knowing what to apply. We can't call it difficult but yes, it was challenging (pitch). On that kind of pitch, your shot selection is limited so it's important not to panic. Whatever role is required for the team, I'm available. Whatever my team demands, I'm ready. (laughs). That wasn't my best bowling performance but I'll try to improve it
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan Captain: It was a great game. We assessed the conditions really well--started strong and finished even better. We were outstanding in the middle overs and picked up crucial wickets especially the spinners. In the first 10 overs we didn't do too well but we managed to control the game. Once the spinners found grip and turn they bowled brilliantly at that stage. After the first innings I felt that once the ball gets older it becomes difficult to play spin. The surface was pretty much the same in both innings; slow and gripping which made it tricky especially for new batters
Shai Hope, West Indies captain: I wouldn't say the bowling was poor but we could have restricted them to a lesser score. We didn't field well and we didn't bat well at all. Saim and Fakhar, there were two left-handers and didn't give a lot of scope for Motie. Chase bowled well and I might have missed a (trick) by not bowling more spin. We didn't want the spinners to settle, wanted openers to go hard and then have Motie at three. I didn't get going today and that was unfortunate but the plan was to put pressure on their spinners after a fast start. We need to learn from our mistakes and learn quickly and we need to put the words into action
6-0 to West Indies and surely there's a need for lot of thinking, soul-searching and time required at the drawing board to come out of this rut. Pakistan had the reinforcements and fought till the very end. Mohammad Nawaz didn't let the middle order get off the hook, reaping rewards for his canny off-spin while Sufiyan continued his good work, taking key players out of the equation. Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan did well to post a respectable score--thanks to Saim Ayub's half-century, with support from Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Nawaz. Shamar Joseph was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, effectively slowing the scoring rate and finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 30. In reply, the foundation was laid by Charles and Andrew but there was barely any resistance from the middle order as the innings gradually petered out. Next T20I is on Saturday, with the final of the series on Sunday; both at the same venue
Pakistan's spinners were the difference between the two sides as they derailed the West Indies chase of 179
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